Connecticut Sun Draft Preview

Tina Charles and the Connecticut Sun are looking to start the year off right with the No. 1 pick in the 2014 WNBA Draft.Brian Babineau/NBAE/Getty Images

First 3 Selections in 2014

No. 1 overall

No. 11 overall

No. 25 overall

Last 3 First Round Picks (Pick, Year)

Kelly Faris (11, 2013)

Astan Dabo (9, 2012)

Tina Charles (1, 2010)

Strengths

Experience

Depth

Tina Charles

Areas of Improvement

Team Rebounding

Player Leadership

Overview

In 2012, the Connecticut Sun came close to making it to the WNBA Finals but slipped up in the Eastern Conference Finals. The next season, the Sun hired a new head coach in Anne Donovan, and behind double-double machine Tina Charles, hoped to continue their winning ways. Unfortunately, some injuries derailed those plans and the team failed to make the playoffs. But with the luck of the draw, the Sun now have the first pick in the 2014 WNBA Draft.

Last year, Tina Charles had another stellar season—ranking second in the league for double-doubles, second in rebounds, fifth in points per game and fourth overall in points, rebounds and assists together. But even with those numbers, the whole team couldn’t pull it together.

This season could change that. In her second year, Coach Donovan and her players have learned how to work together and the Sun even added former Connecticut Sun guard/forward Katie Douglas to the roster—bringing another strong leader to the team.

In addition to the added leadership, the Sun have the chance to scoop up the best player with the No. 1 pick in this year's Draft.

“To have the No. 1 pick is an opportunity that doesn’t come around very often," said Donovan. “And based on the season we had last year, we feel like we deserved that pick and we know that we can really build around it and get some momentum. So, we are super excited about that.”

The Sun would like to fill a couple of roles with this year’s picks—at the point guard position or in the post—and being at the top of the Draft, there is plenty to choose from.

“Players at the top of the draft: Odyssey Sims, Chiney Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas, Kayla McBride [have caught our eye]. There’s some really good quality college players that I think will be great WNBA players.”

Having taken the time during the past year to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of the team, Coach Donovan is ready to fill the gaps and focus on the main goal: Winning championships.

“That’s what our mindset has always been,” said Donovan. “And even last year with the injuries and a less than successful season, it’s never wavered. So as we move forward, that’s exactly what we’re trying to build—A championship team and a championship personality that will get that done.”